KOTTANKULANGARA CHAMAYAVILAKKU

Celebrated In : Kollam, Kerala Significance : Kottakulangara Temple, Chavara. In the month of : March/April Main Ritual : Men dressing up as women as an offering to the deity

Kottankulangara Chamayavillanku is a unique festival, which is held at the Kottankulangara temple in Chavara, near Kollam, where hundreds of sturdy men dress up as comely females. This is an offering to the goddess Bhagavathy, the deity of the temple.

In this unique ritual called 'Chamaya Vilakku' (make-up lamp), the 'Damsels' come to the temple at night in a long procession with lighted lamps in their hands. The ritual occurs during March - April each year.